10 Fun & Practical Tips to Write a Winning Motivational Letter for an Internship Abroad

So, you’re 19, maybe 23, and you’ve set your sights on an exciting internship abroad. That’s amazing! But now you’re staring at your screen, wondering, "How do I write a motivational letter that makes them say yes?"
Writing a motivational letter can be easy with a bit of prep and personality. Remember, your CV and cover letter are your first impression—showcasing your skills and energy in a way the company can’t ignore. Be proud of what you bring to the table!

1. Keep It Clean and Simple

• Use a professional format with clear headings (e.g., Education, Experience, Skills).

• Stick to 1 page (max 2 if you’ve got more relevant experiences).

• Choose a modern font like Arial or Calibri, size 10–12.

2. Start With Contact Details

Right at the top, include:

• Full name.

• Email (make it professional—no “partylover@gmail.com” vibes!).

• Phone number with country code.

• LinkedIn profile or personal portfolio (if relevant).

3. Add a Short Personal Statement

Write a 2–3 sentence summary that highlights your goals and key strengths. For example:

“Motivated business student with strong communication skills and a passion for sustainable development. Seeking an internship in [field] to gain hands-on experience and contribute to meaningful projects.”

4. Highlight Your Education

For young students, education is your main selling point. Include:

• Degree name (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Marketing).

• Institution name and location.

• Start and end dates (or “Expected [Year]” if still studying).

• Relevant coursework or honors (if applicable).

Example: Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
University of XYZ, London, UK (2021–Present)

• Relevant Coursework: Global Politics, International Trade.

5. Showcase Relevant Experience

Even if you’re short on work history, list anything that shows transferable skills:

• Part-time jobs.

• Volunteering.

• Academic projects.

• Leadership roles in clubs or organizations.

Format:

• Role – Organization, Location (Month/Year–Month/Year).

• 2–3 bullet points describing what you did, focusing on skills and achievements.

Example: Event Organizer – University Cultural Club, Paris, France (2022–2023)

• Coordinated a team of 15 to host a campus-wide international festival, attracting 500+ attendees.

• Managed a €3,000 budget and secured sponsorships from local businesses.

6. Add a Skills Section

Focus on skills that are relevant to the internship, such as:

• Technical Skills: MS Office, Canva, coding languages, etc.

• Language Skills: Specify proficiency (e.g., Fluent in Spanish, Basic German).

• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving.

Example: Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Canva.

• Fluent in French and conversational in Italian.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

7. Include Certifications or Courses

Any additional training counts! Examples:

• Online courses (e.g., Coursera, LinkedIn Learning).

• Certifications (e.g., Google Analytics, TEFL).

8. Showcase Extracurriculars & Hobbies

Highlight activities that reflect your personality or relevant skills:

• Sports teams, art, travel, or volunteering.

• Be brief but specific: “Passionate about hiking and exploring diverse cultures.”

9. Customize for Each Internship

Tailor your CV for the job:

• Use keywords from the internship description.

• Highlight experiences that match the role’s requirements.

10. Proofread and Get Feedback

• Check for typos and consistency.

• Ask a mentor, friend, or teacher to review.

• Bonus: Use tools like Grammarly for extra polish.

Bonus Tip: Save It Professionally

• Save as a PDF to maintain formatting.

• Name it something professional like: Jane_Sanchez_CV_2025.pdf

1. Know Your "Why"

Before you even start typing, ask yourself:

• Why do I want this internship?

• Why this organization specifically?

• What’s my ultimate goal?

Your answers will form the heart of your letter—and show them you’re more than just another applicant.

2. Do Some Research Work

You wouldn’t text your crush without knowing their vibe, right? Same here. Go back to the internship link you found interesting on our website and make your letter consist of these:

• What do they do?

• What’s their mission?

• What’s cool about their culture?

Incorporate these insights into your letter to demonstrate genuine interest and a strong understanding of the organization/company.

3. Follow the Recipe for a Professional Letter

Keep it classy and organized with this structure:

• Header: Your name, contact info, and the recipient’s details.

• Salutation: Address them by name if you can. "Dear [Name]" > "To Whom It May Concern."

• Introduction: A quick, punchy opener explaining who you are and why you’re writing.

• Body: The juicy part (more on this below).

• Conclusion: Wrap it up with gratitude and excitement.

• Sign-Off: "Sincerely" or "Best regards" keeps it professional.

4. Start With a Bang

Grab their attention right away. Skip the boring, "My name is..." Instead, try:

• "As a lifelong advocate for [cause/field], I am thrilled to apply for your internship program."

• "Your innovative work in [area] inspires me to take the next step in my journey with your team."

5. Be You (But Professional)

Let your passion shine through! Share why you’re genuinely excited about the internship, but keep the tone formal. Think:

• Enthusiastic but not over-the-top.

• Polished, but not robotic.

Example: "Your commitment to [specific value] deeply resonates with me as I have pursued [similar passion] through [experience]."

6. Sell Yourself Without Overselling

You’re young, but you’ve got skills. Highlight:

• Relevant coursework.

• Volunteering.

• Part-time jobs.

• Leadership roles.

Focus on transferable skills like:

• Communication.

• Teamwork.

• Adaptability.

Tip: Back your skills with examples! Instead of saying, "I’m a great problem-solver," try: "In my role as [position], I tackled [specific challenge], which improved [result]."

7. Keep It Short and Sweet

Nobody wants to read an essay. Stick to one page (300-400 words) and stay on point. The goal? Leave them impressed, not exhausted.

8. Proofread Like a Pro

Typos = bad vibes. Run your letter through:

• Spell check.

• Grammarly.

• A trusted friend (or three).

Pro Tip: Read it aloud to catch anything awkward.

9. Customize, Customize, Customize

No copy-paste jobs here! Tailor your letter to each internship:

• Mention the organization’s name.

• Highlight specific programs or values you admire.

Example: "I was particularly inspired by your project on [specific project], which aligns with my interest in [related passion]."

10. End With a Confident Call-to-Action

Finish strong! Something like:

"I would love the opportunity to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your team. Please feel free to contact me at [email/phone] to discuss my application further."

And, of course, a thank-you: "Thank you for considering my application."

A strong CV and cover letter are your first impression to potential employers, showcasing your skills, experience, and professionalism while setting you apart from other applicants. They highlight your value, reflect your attention to detail, and demonstrate genuine interest by tailoring your application to the company. Together, they tell your story and act as the gateway to landing interviews and opportunities. Good luck and see you in Bali!